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Phenology Commission,
International Society of Biometeorology

Request for Renewal and
3-year plan of Activities, 2005-2008

Mark D. Schwartz, Chair

  1. Broad activities and Goals

    We continue to pursue the following Commission objectives:

    1. To develop a combined observational program configured to be sensitive to modifications in plant/animal phenology and biodiversity changes which is able to form an effective system for early detection and warning of impending global-scale changes in ecosystems
    2. To strategically deploy new and augment existing observational networks, initially in mid latitudes

    In order to do this we will continue to promote the Global Phenological Monitoring (GPM) network protocol (http://www.dow.wau.nl/msa/gpm/) and establishment of new stations in this growing global phenological observation network. Particular efforts are also underway in the USA to create a National Phenology Network (NPN). A NPN implementation workshop (with strong involvement from Commission members) is being held 22-26 August 2005 in Tucson, AZ. A prototype NPN web page is at: http://www.npn.uwm.edu

  2. Specific Cooperation with COST 725/European Phenology Network (EPN)

    Over the next three years, the COST 725 program will continue collaboration efforts started by the European Phenology Network through a large number of activities involving our Commission members in Europe. COST will organize workshops and conferences during this time. The workshops will focus on different subjects. In addition to these meetings, COST will improve use of data and knowledge by developing databases. Finally, COST/EPN will co-ordinate the integration, cooperation and further expansion of phenological networks by standardization of observation protocols, linkage with the educational project GLOBE, and by preparing proposals for new projects.

    Thus, based on our productive activities over the past three years (detailed in a separate report), and the prospects for more in the 2005-2008 period based on this general plan, the Phenology Commission asks the ISB Executive Board for renewal/continuation.